Alte Burg, Medieval castle ruins in Bad Münstereifel, Germany.
Alte Burg is a medieval castle complex sitting on a hilltop northeast of Bad Münstereifel's center. The circular fortification stretches roughly 300 meters in length and 80 meters in width, with the remains of a round tower visible at its highest point.
The fortress was built in the 9th century during the Carolingian period and served as protection for a daughter monastery of Prüm Abbey. The site guarded the religious community and its lands from this strategic hilltop position.
The remains show how a protective stronghold for a monastery was built and how people defended themselves from this hilltop location. Pottery fragments found during digs reveal what everyday objects inhabitants used during the medieval period.
The site sits between 315 and 363 meters above sea level on a hilltop with open views of the surrounding area. Visitors should expect uneven ground and slopes that require sturdy footwear for safe movement.
During the 19th century, a silver coin bearing the image of Louis the Pious was discovered here, though the artifact later disappeared. The discovery suggests the fortress had direct ties to the ruling dynasty and held greater importance than later assumed.
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